Our group of 7 couples (friends from college) recently concluded a magical week's stay at Podere le Rondini. Nicola, Allesandra, Paola, and their family welcomed us with open arms. After a delayed flight and long journey, we enjoyed our first meal and night together on the 2nd floor porch of Paola's residence. She had lovingly prepared a meal of antipasto, pasta"pici", skewers of pork, chicken, and outrageous sausages. All the while, the carafes of wonderful, red wine from their vineyard flowed. The meal was capped with a slice of her homemade cake and a shot of Lemoncello. The accomodations at Podere exceeded our expectations! The Capacie comfortably housed six couples while a seventh stayed in an apartment tucked behind Paola's villa. Lemon and olive trees with views of Montespertoli and beyond were our landscape. Day trips to Siena, Venice, Lucca, Florence, and the lovely hilltop town of Volterra were all reachable from our villa. Although we enjoyed our travels, the underrated, charming town of Montespertoli was a ten minute drive away. Markets, food, shopping, wonderful restaurants, and evening volleyball games were all available in this modest town. When we come again, we will likely choose to spend more time reading by the lovely (and large) pool and simply taking in our surroundings. To Nicola and Paola...how can we thank you enough for your constant patience and guidance and ALWAYS with a smile! Paola, we will never forget how you prepared a Sparkler cake for us on the 4th of July and how you danced with us to Frankie Valle and the Four Seasons!! You have not only been perfect hosts, but also, role models for how one should live life. We will never forget you and our time at your welcoming villa. We truly hope to return one day soon!!
